When I first joined Cahoots as a Marketing Officer, I thought I understood what accessibility meant. I knew the definitions. I knew the buzzwords. But I hadn’t yet felt what it means for a space, message, or system to truly include someone.

Working alongside people with disabilities and exceptional challenges has fundamentally reshaped my perspective, not just on marketing, but on how we move through the world.

So, here are four practical (and powerful) ways to be more inclusive in your daily life:

1. Don’t just slow down, make space

Some people communicate differently. Some move differently. Some need more time, support, or clarity. The most inclusive thing you can do is stop rushing and start noticing. Inclusion starts with presence.

2. Accessibility is everywhere, not just at the door

Access isn’t limited to ramps and wide doorways. It’s also about how noisy a room is, whether someone has a quiet place to step away, if the fonts are legible, or if digital content works with a screen reader. If you start asking, “Who might this unintentionally exclude?”  you’ll start seeing it everywhere.

3. Don’t make assumptions

Disability is not always visible. Needs aren’t always obvious. One of the kindest, most respectful things you can do is ask rather than assume. People are the best judges of what works for them, not your assumptions!

4. Inclusion requires continuous unlearning

You’re going to get it wrong sometimes. I definitely have. But if you’re open to feedback and willing to adapt, you’re already doing the work. Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is

Working at Cahoots has taught me that accessibility is ultimately about belonging.

I’m still learning. I hope we all are.

If you work in marketing, design, leadership, or any field that creates for others, these small shifts can make a big difference.